Baptism

Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation. It is the sacrament that frees a person from original sin and makes that person a member of Christ and His Church, thus beginning the way to a new life in Christ. It is administered by a priest or deacon pouring Holy Water on the person’s head “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” One must be baptized before receiving any other sacraments. Baptism is the foundation for all ministry and life in the church, and confers a commitment to follow Christ and spread His message throughout the world. Furthermore, in baptism, one is incorporated into the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and thus participates in the gift of resurrection and eternal life with Christ. Infants can be baptized soon after birth. At the time of baptism, parents vow to practice their faith and provide a Catholic upbringing for the child. Adults who have never been baptized take part in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), and will typically be baptized during the Easter Vigil Mass.

Selecting a godparent or sponsor: The duties of godparents are more than ceremonial. The principal responsibility of a godparent is to give witness to the Catholic faith by his or her words and actions, thus parents need to find practicing Catholics to faithfully serve in the role as godparents. As noted in the Code of Canon Law, “Insofar as possible, one to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who is to assist an adult in Christian initiation, or, together with the parents, to present an infant at the baptism, and who will help the baptized to lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it” (Canon 872). In selecting godparents, the Catholic Church requires:  A godparent must have received the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation;  A godparent or sponsor must be at least 16 years of age;  A godparent must be living a life consistent with faith and morals as taught by the Catholic Church;  A godparent must be a registered, active Catholic in their parish church, and needs to provide a letter of suitability from their pastor; a non-Catholic, baptized Christian must also be a registered, active member of their Christian faith community, and also must provide a letter of suitability from their pastor;  There must be one Catholic godparent; a non-Catholic, baptized Christian may be chosen as a Christian Witness. If this is your first child, both parents must participate in our Baptism Workshop prior to the Baptism of your child. The Workshop is also recommended for any godparent who has not previously taken a baptism workshop.

Please contact the parish office to register for workshop or to schedule a Baptism